Research
The pillar of our laboratory lies in the comprehension and regulation of the phenomena that occur at the interface between synthetic materials and biological molecules. Our primary research focus resides in the design and advancement of cutting-edge biomaterials. We aspire to generate groundbreaking materials endowed with exceptional attributes such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, mechanical robustness, and regulated degradation. By tailoring the composition, structure, and surface properties of these materials, our aim is to optimize their performance for specific applications in the fields of bone tissue engineering and neural tissue.
Our approach, which revolves around the surface as a central point, also extends to the domain of medication/drug delivery systems, ion therapy, and materials intended for employment in regenerative medicine applications.
01
Neural tissue engineering
This line of research consists of the development of a multifunctional platform formed by a hybrid hydrogel and thermoresponsive as scaffolds, associated with nanoparticles mesoporous bioactive glasses loaded with the therapeutic agent cannabidiol (CBD), aiming to exploit the synergy of the characteristic properties in the individualized constituents for the stimulation of neural tissue recovery after stroke.
02
Multifunctional nanofibrous biomaterials of tailored structures for tissue engineering
Nanofibers represent a significant class of biomaterials that hold promise for various biomedical applications, owing to their distinctive structure and properties, including high surface area, exceptional mechanical properties, extensive porosity, and low density. Numerous technologies for nanofiber production have been extensively investigated and employed in numerous studies. These advantages encompass simple principles and equipment, broad material choice, and the ability to create nanofibers with versatile and uniform morphologies. These advantages encompass straightforward principles and equipment requirements, a wide selection of materials, and the ability to create nanofibers with versatile and uniform morphologies. Our ongoing research is focused on exploring the applications of nanofibers derived from biomaterials, with a specific emphasis on the development of biologically safe materials. In recent times, our efforts have been primarily devoted to investigating nanofibers derived from various natural polymer materials, such as proteins like collagen, polysaccharides like alginate, and cellulose nanofibers, along with their respective applications.
03
Bioinks targeted at bone regeneration
In order to produce scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, bioprinting has been used as an efficient and innovative technique. The research is focused on the development of bioinks from a blend of natural or synthetic polymers and bioactive components. Aiming at this application, the bioinks produced need to present some specific characteristics, such as biocompatibility, which is evaluated by in vitro tests, in addition to printability, shear behavior, and shape fidelity, parameters that are analyzed using rheology.
04
Bioceramic-based scaffolds with high bioactivity for bone tissue engineering
Bone defects resulting from trauma, tumors, congenital abnormalities, and osteoarthritis have had a substantial impact on human lives and health. In the field of bone repair and regeneration, artificial bone implants, specifically bioceramic-based scaffolds, offer significant advantages over their biological counterparts. These implants have become crucial in addressing the aforementioned bone defects. Bioceramics, such as calcium phosphate and bioactive glass, have gained widespread utilization in bone defect repair and bone tissue regeneration due to their exceptional biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity. Consequently, the development of three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds has become a pivotal aspect of bone tissue engineering. Considering the specific characteristics and technical requirements of bioceramics, we have conducted extensive research on a range of technologies employed for the fabrication of bioceramic-based scaffolds. These include the templating method, freeze drying, foaming method, electrospinning, and 3D printing, each tailored to meet the demands of the bioceramic scaffold manufacturing process.
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